Chiarelli confirms Thomas considering hiatus from hockey

In a conference call originally intended to discuss new deals
for forwards Dan Paille and Chris Bourque (Topsfield, Mass.),
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli spent majority of his time
on the horn with the media discussing one of his
goaltenders.

The GM confirmed that there was truth to the rumors that Tim
Thomas might take a year off, as Chiarelli said that the
38-year-old netminder said in the middle of May that he was
considering doing so.

Chiarelli indicated on multiple occasions that the decision
would be for family reasons, and that Thomas stated in his exit
interviews that he was highly fatigued after an arduous calendar
year.

Here are the other Cliff Notes from the call:

Paille appreciates the big role he has with the team, but hopes
to make it an even bigger one going forward.

Chiarelli said Bourque has what it takes to play at the NHL
level on a regular basis.

Thomas is entering the final season of his four-year deal, which
carries a cap hit of $5 million. The Bruins would likely suspend
the netminder for the season, but they’d still have to carry
his cap hit. Chiarelli noted they could place Marc Savard on LTIR
to lessen that burden.

Thomas expressed interest in playing in the 2014 Olympics in
Sochi, Russia.

Chiarelli said he’s confident going forward with a tandem
of Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin.

Dominik Hasek was also mentioned during the call, as the
legendary goaltender also took a year off – ironically at the
age of 38 – before playing four more NHL seasons (and another
two in Europe).

Asked who definitely wouldn’t be back among this
year’s crop of free agents, Chiarelli said Joe Corvo’s
name faster than the speed of light.

Recently-signed goaltenders Niklas Svedberg and Adam Morrison
are expected to compete for playing time in Providence.